Majitha Hooch Tragedy: Prime Accused Identified as Notorious Bootlegger; Ethanol Supplied Online, Police Crackdown Intensifies

• May 13, 2025

In the wake of the devastating hooch tragedy in Amritsar’s Majitha region, police have intensified their crackdown on those involved in the illicit liquor trade. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh confirmed that the prime accused, Prabhjit Singh, is a known bootlegger with a criminal record. Investigations have revealed that Singh supplied 50 litres of ethanol, which was dangerously diluted to produce 120 litres of spurious liquor for sale.

Multiple Arrests Made

Alongside Prabhjit Singh, the police have arrested several others believed to be involved in the distribution network:

• Kulbir Singh (alias Jaggu)

• Sahab Singh

• Gurjant Singh

• Ninder Kaur

SSP Singh stated that Saheb Singh, another key suspect, had been purchasing ethanol online, which was then distributed via buses and courier services. Authorities have identified several online ethanol sellers, and police teams have been dispatched to apprehend those running these operations.

Confirmed Deaths and Affected Areas

The tragedy has so far claimed the lives of:

• Major Singh

• Sarabjit Singh

• Sikander Singh

• Panna Singh

• Romi

• Raman

• Balbir Singh

The most severely affected villages include Bhangali Kalan, Marrari Kalan, Patalpuri, and Threawal.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Shakshi Sawhney, accompanied by the Civil Surgeon, visited the impacted areas. She confirmed that medical teams have been deployed, and critically ill individuals have been admitted to hospitals. Health officials are also conducting door-to-door checks to identify and treat other potential victims exhibiting symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

Political Fallout and Demands for Accountability

The incident has sparked political outrage. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majitha accused the government of shielding the main accused and alleged that excise department officials were complicit in the illicit liquor racket. He demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased victim and criticised the administration's failure to take decisive action against bootleggers and smugglers.

As the investigation widens, public pressure is mounting for both justice for the victims and systemic reforms to curb the thriving illicit liquor trade in Punjab.